NOPD Releases Body Worn Camera Footage in Investigation of Officer Involved Shooting in Second District

Today (November 22, 2024), the NOPD released body-worn camera footage related to an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Thursday, October 10, 2024, in the 1200 block of State Street.

Shortly after 5:30 a.m. on October 10, NOPD Second District officers responded to a call of a residential burglary at the location. Upon arrival, officers discovered firearms taken from the residence and located the suspect, identified as 63-year-old Dwayne Brown, hiding in nearby bushes. When officers approached, Brown reportedly fled, leading to an extensive search of the area.

Brown was first located hiding beneath a residence in the 6000 block of Perrier Street, where officers attempted an apprehension by engaging in a hands-on approach and deploying a Taser Energy Weapon. Despite these efforts, the suspect escaped, only to be found moments later by a Second District officer in the 6000 block of Prytania Street. The officer attempted to take Brown into custody, and a physical struggle ensued. During the struggle, Brown managed to grab items from the officer's duty belt including his Taser and flashlight, also striking the officer in the process. The confrontation escalated when the suspect produced a revolver and fired multiple shots at the officer, who then returned fire.

The suspect fled but was later found on the front porch of a residence in the 6000 block of Pitt Street, where he was suffering from a gunshot wound. NOPD's Emergency Medical Response Unit provided immediate on-scene treatment until EMS arrived.

Brown was arrested on multiple charges. These include:

• One (1) count of attempted first degree murder
• 10 counts of simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling / attempted simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling / simple burglary
• Four (4) counts of theft of a motor vehicle
• Two (2) counts of possession of a firearm by a person convicted of certain felonies
• One (1) count of simple criminal damage to property

As a use of force was made by the officer, the NOPD Public Integrity Bureau's Force Investigation Team conducted the follow-up investigation into the officer-involved shooting aspect.

Officer James Godwin, who engaged the suspect and discharged his firearm, has served with the NOPD for two years. Godwin was reassigned following the incident and has since returned to full duty.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is urged to contact NOPD Second District detectives at 504-658-6020.

Have a question or correction? Please email NOPD's Public Affairs Division at [email protected].